Risk Factors

• There are certain risk factors that might lead to the fungus in your system developing into an overgrowth infection. If you have any of these factors, you should take measures to prevent fungal overgrowth. One of the most common risk factors is taking antibiotics. Birth control pills have also been associated with yeast overgrowth. A third factor is getting a worm or parasite, which disturbs the balance in your digestive system.
  
  

Diet

• Because a systemic fungal infection is located mostly in the intestines, a healthy diet is the best way to prevent it. Yeast lives on sugar, so a diet that's low in sugar and other carbohydrates will help prevent fungus from developing into an overgrowth infection. Avoid foods containing sugar as well as breads, especially those with gluten. Eat green vegetables, lean meats and yogurt. Avoid foods that contain fungus, such as aged cheese. Fresh foods with few preservatives are best for preventing and treating candida overgrowth.
  
  

Supplements

• There are many natural supplements you can use to prevent as well as to treat systemic fungus. The most important of these is probiotics, which help maintain a balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut. Probiotics are especially important if you are taking antibiotics for another condition, since antibiotics will kill beneficial bacteria that keep the fungus from growing too much. In addition, there are many herbal supplements, such as goldenseal, oregano oil, grapefruit seed and tea tree oil, which help kill fungus. If you have any skin fungal problems, you can also use oil of oregano and tea tree oil externally on your skin. If you do have a systemic yeast infection, your doctor might also prescribe medicine such as diflucan or lamisal.